Most of the area had already seen a quarter of an inch of rain in advance of Thursday's system.

Brett Chellis, the director of Broome County Emergency Services, says flash flooding isn't like major river flooding.

"With flash flooding, it's almost instantaneous, so that's why it can be very dangerous," Chellis said.

Chellis said it's important for residents living near creeks, streams or tributaries to keep an eye on waterways and pay attention to emergency weather alerts.

If a neighboring body of water floods nearby, the National Weather Service warns not to drive or go into the water. Also, stay away from creek and stream banks near flooded areas because the banks can be dangerous and unstable.

Chellis says his crews will be on standby overnight Thursday in case of a flash flood.

"Our local first responders will be ready to notify residents to evacuate an effected area as soon as it becomes known that a particular stream is going to come out of it's banks or is starting to," Chellis said.

Chellis recommends signing up to NY-Alert, New York state's all-hazards alert and notification system.